DJ

Everyone does it: get on the train and hole up with a good pair of headphones or ear-buds; soundtrack their walk to work with some happy-music, or go for a jog while jacked into some solid motivational smash hits. In most of these everyday sitches, you’re likely to push the volume up to compete with the traffic, the other commuters on the bus, or the heavy breathing of your fellow joggers. Fair enough. But what most people don’t realise is that this can unfortunately cause your delicate ears some serious damage. In this blog, we seek to answer the most essential questions regarding the hearing damage caused by using a humble set of headphones or ear-buds.

Finding the right tracks is one of the most fun challenges that come with being a DJ. But where do you even begin your search? As you know, buying a lot of singles or multiple versions of the same song will start to add up sooner or later. Today, guest blogger Amar Amlani (DiceDJ) is here to tell you all the tricks of the trade, so you can continue, or start, to astound your audience with fresh beats.

Since the welcome disappearance of CDs, along with the need to lug cases of them from gig to gig, a new question has arisen to match the new age of DJing: which is the best data storage format out there? There’s the pocket-sized SD card and the equally portable USB stick and the two are already battling it out for memory-based supremacy. Everyone has their own thoughts about who will win and the internet is filled with discussions and comment sections bristling with debate. But, is there actually such a thing as ‘the best USB stick’ or the ‘greatest SD card’ for DJs? In this blog, I’ll try to separate the fluff from the facts.

For some time now, DJ-ing has long been as much about the show as it is about what you play or what kind of effects you throw in. You’re never going to blow minds by just hitting play and sipping a cocktail. As such and especially for mobile Djs, the standard setup has expanded to include some pretty progressive lighting gear. Guestblogger and DJ, Brian (BRIVE) shares some of his experiences and tips to help guide you through what’s out there and to elevate your show and make sure your name, as well your tunes, stick in the heads of your crowd.

Without a doubt, Twitch is one of the biggest and hottest social media platforms in the world right now. In case you missed it, Twitch is a live streaming video platform which is used by over 140 million people every month. In comparison to other platforms that provide a streaming function, like YouTube, Twitch is far more popular due to the great working member-system, the advanced options they provide for streaming and their payout system.

There’s a never-ending debate of mixing live vs pre-recorded sets. Some will claim that a DJ should be able to just “feel the vibe of the audience” and act upon it, while for others, a great mix comes from preparation and organization. Of course there is a difference when you play for a crowd or when you make a mix for a radio show, podcast, or demo. Guest Blogger Jeroen of Moon Jelly Agency asked DJs within the agency’s network how to prepare for making a DJ mix and created a list with 7 tips to help you prepare your DJ set.

One of the most influential streaming platforms in the music industry, SoundCloud, has helped to kick-start the careers of many previously unknown artists. The open audio platform once started as a website for upcoming artists to upload their tracks, but has evolved to a platform with advertisements for revenue and an option for paid subscriptions. However, the website now has 175 million registered users and continues to function as the main track sharing platform for new artists. Today, Guest blogger Melvin van der Waal from Moon Jelly Agency shines his light on the benefits of the SoundCloud Pro Unlimited subscription.

If you’re just starting out as a DJ, you’ve undoubtedly come across the term cue point. They’re normally activated via performance pads and you once you’ve set them up in a track, you can use them, abuse them and reset them. But what is a cue point and what can you actually do with it on a DJ controller, for instance? Read this blog to find out the answers and get one step closer to your dream of becoming a superstar DJ!

How can I learn to beatmatch? This is a question that many DJs ask when they’re just starting out. These days, technology does a lot of the hard work for you, but learning to beatmatch by ear is still a fundamental skill that will ultimately make you a better DJ. In this blog, we’ll explain step-by-step how to seamlessly blend two different tracks together. Good luck and have fun!

December will be here before you know it so avoid the stress this year by getting your Christmas shopping done now! If you’re looking for the perfect present for a DJ, then the DJ specialists at Bax Music are eager to assist. They know just the kind of thing a DJ would like to receive on Christmas morning and have compiled a list of ten affordable Christmas gift ideas for DJs below!

Last January at the NAMM 2018 convention in California, USA, we ran into a local DJ/producer by the name of Melloe D. It didn’t take long to see this talented 26-year-old clearly knows her way around studio recording equipment and DJ gear. Read more about the inspiring journey she’s made so far in the music industry.

Fatboy Slim, Carl Cox and Calvin Harris are but a few names of well-known DJs that have made it ot the top after years of dedication and practice. Many DJs just starting out dream of following in the footsteps of these world-famous idols. If you continually surprise your friends with your extensive knowledge of music and you know how to get the party going, then you’re well on your way to becoming a fully-fledged DJ! This blog takes you through the steps to get your career started in the right direction.